U.S. Flags to Fly at Half Staff on Friday, Aug. 31 in Honor of Neil Armstrong

By presidential proclamation, all U.S. flags are to be flown at half staff on Friday, Aug. 31 to mark the death of Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon.

Armstrong, a humble man who credited others for his numerous achievements at NASA, died on Aug. 25. He was 82.

"As a mark of respect for the memory of Neil Armstrong, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that on the day of his interment, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on such day," says the proclamation signed by President Obama. "I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations."

Armstrong received a multitude of special honors during his lifetime, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom; the Congressional Gold Medal; the Congressional Space Medal of Honor; the NASA Distinguished Service Medal; and the American Astronautical Society Flight Achievement Award, among others.

Armstrong's family released the following statement upon his death, and part of this statement was read Wednesday by a business owner attending LINKS, the McKinney Chamber's weekly networking breakfast each Wednesday morning at Saltgrass Steakhouse in McKinney.

“We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed away following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures.

"Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job. He served his Nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. He also found success back home in his native Ohio in business and academia, and became a community leader in Cincinnati.

"He remained an advocate of aviation and exploration throughout his life and never lost his boyhood wonder of these pursuits.

"As much as Neil cherished his privacy, he always appreciated the expressions of good will from people around the world and from all walks of life.

"While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.

For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.”